porto norte 41

short term vision

long term vision

“Time is a great architect” Siza Vieira

Talking about urban regeneration, in general, and in this specific area of Porto, is talking of a gradual process, a project moving in phases, with variable degrees of intensity and transformation. It means talking about transitional programmes before the definitive ones (if they ever come). It means talking about temporary uses for vacant spaces, cleaning, maintenance and neighbor meetings, before talking of building refurbishment and, certainly, before talking about new museums and hotels. This doesn’t mean that if proper conditions for private investors are created in the first phase of the project, new buildings aren’t welcome; in fact, quite the contrary! Going back to the quote above, given in the context of the urban regeneration project of Chiado, in Lisbon, one of the main catalysts for that intervention’s success was the opening of a significant retail building, due to its influence in relaunching the dynamics of public space in the area.

The proposal acts on 6 priority scopes:

to Connect – creating a footpath network around and within the city blocks;

to Reuse – the “rotten teeth”, meaning vacant, abandoned or derelict buildings;

to Value – the “Companhia Aurifícia” quarter as an asset;

to Optimize – densifying the plot with new buildings;

to Rationalize – environmental, social and economic sustainability;

to Educate – the city dwellers and society in general;